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Saturday, April 25, 2015

Discussing Game of Thrones: The House of Black and White

* Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen “The House of Black and White.”

Knock. Knock?

It's Arya! She finally arrives in Braavos at the House of Black and White, home of the Faceless Men. Unfortunately, she doesn't get past the front door(s), despite flashing the coin Jaqen H'ghar gave her. After hanging out on the steps for . . . a while, Arya hurls the coin into the sea.

Strike Two for Brienne

Brienne and Pod walk into an inn . . . and guess who else is there? Littlefinger and Sansa! Pod points this out to Brienne, who springs into action. Pod has also pointed out that they only have one horse and are quite outnumbered by the knights of the Vale. Of course Sansa won't go with Brienne, who makes a hasty exit with Pod. The knights give chase—I was seriously worried about young Pod for a few moments there! Brienne dispenses with their pursuers and says they're going to tail Sansa and Littlefinger.

You've Got Viper Mail

Cersei summons Jaime to see the fake red viper that's arrived—with Myrcella's necklace. It's a threat, so Jaime is off to Dorne (and off the course of his arc in the books) to bring her home. And guess who's going with? Bronn!

Ellaria WILL Have Vengeance

In the picturesque Water Gardens of Dorne, Ellaria Sand demands to know what Prince Doran will do about his brother Oberyn's death. Doran points out that Oberyn died during trial by combat and technically wasn't murdered by the Mountain. Ellaria says she has the support of Oberyn's daughters, the Sand Snakes, in her crusade for revenge and wants to send Myrcella back to Cersei in pieces. Doran refuses to do anything of the sort.

There's Something Sketchy about That Wall

Daario and Grey Worm (well, mostly Daario) capture a Son of the Harpy. Barristan advises Daenerys to put the man on trial rather than jump straight to executing him. After the rest of her council is dismissed, Barristan tells her that her father, the Mad King, thought he was doing justice by burning people alive but instead gave his enemies a reason to rise up against him. Daenerys agrees to let the prisoner stand trial.

Tyrion and Varys (Still) on the Road

Varys and Tyrion are on their way to Volantis so they can then head to Meereen. Varys compliments Tyrion, who's still putting some serious hurtin' on the wine supply, on his brief stint as Hand of the King. Tyrion wants some fresh air, but Varys tells him he can't because . . . .

Cersei Stacks the Small Council

Cersei has a bounty on Tyrion's head, and the story cuts to her and Qyburn looking at a head that's been erroneously brought before her. Qyburn, however, apparently can recycle it for his experiments. *shudder* Cersei then proceeds to a Small Council meeting. Mace Tyrell is appointed Master of Coin as well as Ships. Qyburn, to Pycelle's outrage, is named Master of Whisperers. Cersei offers Master of War to her uncle Ser Kevan, who wants to be asked by the King himself rather than his plotting mother. Ser Kevan further declares that he won't be Cersei's puppet and is returning to Casterly Rock.

Do Shut Up, Selyse

Shireen is teaching Gilly to read while Sam is ostensibly reading a book but totally listening to their conversation. Gilly asks Shireen how her greyscale was cured—two of Gilly's sisters died from it. Selyse walks in and boots Sam and Gilly from the library and warns Shireen to stay away from Gilly.

Jon . . . Stark?

Stannis chews Jon out over showing Mance mercy. Jon says the Wildlings will never follow Stannis, only one of their own. Lyanna Mormont's letter is freaking hilarious and awesome! Stannis offers to make Jon a Stark if he can rally the North to Stannis's cause. Later, as the Night's Watch assembles to elect a new Lord Commander, Jon tells Sam that he's going to refuse Stannis's very, very tempting proposal. Janos Slynt puts in a good word for Alliser Thorne, and Denys Mallister is also put forth as a candidate. Maester Aemon is about to start the vote when Sam elects Jon. And Sam makes a damn good case for Jon, too. The vote ends up being tied between Thorne and Jon until Maester Aemon casts his vote for Jon!

A Man Reprises His Role

Arya is surrounded by some menacing dudes in a Braavosi street when that guy who wouldn't let her in the House of Black and White turns up and then turns into Jaqen H'ghar! And Arya gains admittance to the House of Black and White!

Being Queen Isn't Easy

Mossador, a former slave who sits on Daenerys's council, kills the imprisoned Son of the Harpy, putting Daenerys in a tough spot politically. The other freed slaves demand mercy for him, but he's still taken a life. So justice is done, and a riot breaks out. The Unsullied rush Daenerys back into the pyramid.

Drogon Checks In

The prodigal dragon returns! He pops by for a quick visit with his mom then takes off again for who-knows-where.

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comments:

The visual of Braavos as Arya enters was PERFECT. Exactly as I imagined it while reading the book. The canals, everything was on point. I'm excited to have Braavos int the story now.

And that scene with the Night's Watch vote was EPIC! Though vastly different from how everything went down in the book I still enjoyed it. Sam made his case concisely and I wanted to hug him. He's getting braver by the day! And I LOOOOVED that Maester Aemon had the final vote. I fee like he has always been a fan of Jon and I have a small suspicion of why.

The reappearance of Jaquen was interesting and I'm curious to see where they take that considering his next appearance is not with Arya in the House of the Black and White.

And I was so excited to see Drogon in this episode. I hate that Dany had to lock up her other dragons but I can understand why she did.

I feel really bad for Viserion and Rhaegal, because they're the ones locked up because of what Drogon did while Drogon is free and flying around, but I also understand Daenerys's decision to take preemptive action with them.

I loved the look on Maester Aemon's face after he cast his vote for Jon! I agree that Aemon has a particular interest in Jon's well-being.

Even though Jaqen doesn't explicitly return in the books (but he COULD be there, just with a different face, lol), I was happy to see him back on the show. I really like the actor who plays him, and he and Maisie Williams are so fantastic in their scenes together.

Jaqen does make a small return in the books. But the first time I read it, I didn't understand. It wasn't until the second go round that I figured it out. Now I can't completely recall but I can reference my notes. It's either in a Feast For Crows or A Dance With Dragons.

And I agree I like that Jaqen has returned in the show. I always liked him and his odd relationship with Arya. And yes, that actor is fantastic.

Yikes- I forgot about that scene in Oldtown in AFfC. It's been about 4 years since I read the first 4 books, and I really, really regret not taking notes back then, lol. If I ever do a reread, I won't repeat that mistake!